Wnt5a expression in canine osteosarcoma

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bone in dogs and is associated with poor long-term outcomes due to its highly metastatic nature. A better understanding of the signalling pathways and proteins involved with osteosarcoma pathogenesis may aid in improved outcomes through the use of targeted therapies. The Wnt5a protein, a ligand for the non-canonical Wnt signalling pathway, is implicated in mediating the aggressiveness of cancer cell lines, including those of human osteosarcoma origin. Given the close relationship between human and canine osteosarcoma, the primary goal of this study was to characterize Wnt5a expression in canine osteosarcoma. Second, if Wnt5a expression was present in canine osteosarcoma, the study aimed to determine any potential association with clinical outcome and clinical variables in similarly treated osteosarcoma-bearing dogs. Wnt5a expression was present in 26 of the 48 (54%) cases of canine osteosarcoma. Wnt5a expression was not associated with progression-free survival (P = 0.4) or overall survival (P = 0.1).

The animal-dependent risk factors in canine osteosarcomas

“…Appendicular form of the disease accounts for roughly three fourths of all cases of OSA, affecting mainly the metaphyses of long bones (Anfinsen et al 2011, Morello et al 2011, Szigetvari et al 2013. Forelimbs seem to be affected more often than hind limbs, and the distal radius and proximal humerus appear to be the most common locations of canine OSA (Eberle et al 2010, Morello et al 2011, Nagamine et al 2015, Szigetvari et al 2013.…”

“…Among dogs with osteosarcomas affecting the axial skeleton, the cranial, especially the mandibular bone are most common, accounting for 7% to 15% of cases (Kruze et al 2012, Coyle et al 2013. Except for the scull bones the most common axial locations are ribs, scapula, and pelvis, whereas vertebrae and sternum are rarely involved (Kruse et al 2012, Szigetvari et al 2013.…”